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Grafarvogslaug swimming pool in Grafarvogur, CR
Photo: Google
View of Grafarvogslaug in Grafarvogur, CR
Photo: Google
View of Grafarvogslaug in Grafarvogur, CR
Photo: Google

Grafarvogslaug

4.5(188 reviews)Sports
🕑 1.5 to 2 hours👶 Best for all ages from infants to teens. Babies and toddlers enjoy the warm, shallow kids' pools, while older children love the novelty of outdoor swimming in cool weather. The hot tubs are perfect for warming up between swims.

About

Grafarvogslaug offers an authentic Icelandic swimming experience perfect for families, featuring naturally heated geothermal pools that stay warm year-round, even in winter. Kids will love splashing in the shallow children's pools while parents relax in the hot tubs, all while enjoying the unique experience of swimming outdoors in Iceland's crisp air.

Highlights

  • Naturally heated geothermal pools that stay warm even in freezing weather
  • Dedicated shallow children's pools perfect for little ones
  • Multiple hot tubs at different temperatures for the whole family
  • Outdoor swimming experience unique to Iceland
  • Authentic local pool visited mostly by Reykjavik residents, not tourist crowds

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Follow Icelandic pool etiquette: you must shower thoroughly without a swimsuit before entering the pools. Staff are serious about this, and there are attendants to ensure compliance.
  2. 2.Bring your own towel and swimsuit or rent them on-site for a small fee. Consider packing water shoes as deck areas can be slippery.
  3. 3.Visit on weekday mornings (after 9 AM) to avoid the before-work and after-school local crowds.
  4. 4.The water temperature is typically 28-29°C (82-84°F) in main pools and hotter in the hot tubs, perfect for chilly Icelandic weather.
  5. 5.Admission is very affordable compared to Blue Lagoon and other tourist spots, usually around 1000 ISK for adults and less for children.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday late mornings (9:30-11:30 AM) offer the best experience with fewer crowds. Winter visits are magical as you can swim outdoors while snowflakes fall, though weekend afternoons get busy with local families.

What to Know

You'll need Icelandic krona or a credit card for admission (cash machines available nearby). Free parking is available on-site. No food is served, but you can bring snacks to eat in designated areas outside the pool.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round with heated pools, making winter visits especially memorable. The outdoor pools create a surreal experience when swimming in warm water while surrounded by cold air and possibly snow. No seasonal closures.

Nearby Eats

The nearby Grafarvogur neighborhood has a Kronan supermarket and Subway within a 5-minute drive where you can grab quick family-friendly meals. For a more local experience, head back toward central Reykjavik (10 minutes) for wider dining options.

More Activities Near Grafarvogur

Cafe

Kaffi Zimsen

$

Kaffi Zimsen is a warm, welcoming neighborhood café in the residential Grafarvogur area that provides a perfect refuge from Reykjavik's unpredictable weather. This local favorite offers delicious hot chocolate to warm up little ones after outdoor adventures, plus light meals and snacks that appeal to both kids and parents, all in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere where children are genuinely welcomed.

Park

Grafarvogur

Free

Grafarvogur offers families a peaceful retreat with open green spaces perfect for letting kids run free while parents enjoy Iceland's fresh air and stunning natural landscapes. This neighborhood park provides an ideal spot for picnics, gentle walks, and outdoor play away from the busier tourist areas of Reykjavik, giving children space to explore and parents a chance to relax.

Playground

Ærslabelgur grafarvogi

5.0Free

Ærslabelgur grafarvogi is a beautifully maintained neighborhood playground in Reykjavik's Grafarvogur district, offering a perfect pit stop for families exploring Iceland's capital. With its variety of climbing structures, swings, and slides designed for different age groups, it provides a safe and welcoming space where kids can burn off energy while parents enjoy the fresh Icelandic air and local community atmosphere.

Sports

Íþróttahús Grafarvogs

4.7$

Íþróttahús Grafarvogs is a welcoming community sports center in Reykjavik's Grafarvogur neighborhood that offers families an authentic Icelandic recreation experience. With swimming pools, sports facilities, and programs for all ages, it's a budget-friendly alternative to tourist-heavy venues where your kids can play alongside local Icelandic families.